Megan Platfoot, program coordinator of the diagnostic medical sonography program at Clark State, received the Education Award during the Greater Dayton Imaging Professionals Recognition Event for providing extraordinary and innovative learning opportunities to medical imaging students, her commitment to student success, maintaining communication to enhance learning experiences and meeting the needs of students and co-workers.
Platfoot was nominated by Erica Kelly and Sara Vaughn, Clark State diagnostic medical sonography students who said, “Megan not only created the DMS program at Clark State but she continues to elevate it through her passion for teaching and commitment to student success. Even during her maternity leave, she made herself available, promptly responding to emails and ensuring that students always felt supported. Her drive to constantly improve the program is remarkable, as she regularly seeks out the latest technology and listens to student feedback to enhance our learning experience. She is professional, knowledgeable and extremely approachable. She cares deeply about the success of her students. She explains things thoroughly and pushes us to work our hardest. She asks us questions that make us use our critical thinking skills to prepare us for our registries. She teaches us useful skills that most educators and colleges do not provide to their students. She exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional educator, always going above and beyond.”
Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State College, agreed.
“Megan exemplifies the spirit of education at Clark State. Her unwavering dedication to her students and her innovative approach to teaching have made a profound impact on the diagnostic medical sonography program. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and this well-deserved award.”
Platfoot developed Clark State’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program which trains students to assist in determining a medical diagnosis and treatment plan for patients by using sound waves to image structures within the body.
Her previous honors include being named to Dayton Business Journal’s 2024 Forty Under 40 list, receiving the Excellence in Sonography Distinguished Educator Award from BB Imaging in 2023 and earning program accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
“I am truly honored to receive the Education Award,” said Platfoot, who, as a sonographer, brings real-world experience to her teaching. “As a first-generation college student, I know the importance and value of higher education and my goal has always been to empower my students to succeed, both in the classroom and in their future careers. Their success is my success, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their learning journey.”